1
: words set at the head of a passage or page to introduce or categorize
2
a
: a head of a newspaper story or article usually printed in large type and giving the gist of the story or article that follows
b
headlines plural
: front-page news
the scandal made headlines
headlined; headlining; headlines
1
: to provide with a headline
2
: to publicize highly
3
: to be engaged as a leading performer in (a show)
: deserving mention in a headline : very noteworthy
the headline abduction of a diplomat
Examples of headline in a Sentence
Noun
The story of his arrest appeared beneath the headline “Caught!”.
She only had time to scan the headlines before she had to rush out the door.
Surprising developments have kept the murder investigation in the headlines for several weeks.
She has grabbed the headlines by making public accusations of corruption within the government.
Verb
The band is headlining the music festival.
Recent Examples on the Web
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2024
Her 2022 documentary, My Mind and Me, offered a raw look at her mental health over a six-year period, filling in new details of a story that had been told in headlines.
—Lucy Feldman, TIME, 29 May 2024
John Russell, Peoplemag, 29 May 2024
The Friday lineup is headlined by Particle Kid (the periodic stage name of Willie Nelson’s son, Micah) and 2017 Grammy-winner Fantastic Negrito (born: Xavier Dphrepaulezz), who at times suggests the offspring of Prince, Howlin’ Wolf and D’Angelo rolled into one.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2024
WSJ, 29 Nov. 2023
At the time this tour was limited to club venues and state theaters, but now some 9 years later both bands are slated to co-headline LA’s KIA Forum this spring.
—Quentin Singer, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for headline 
Noun
And while Young’s improvement or lack thereof will generate most of the headlines and clicks for the 2024 season, Ekwonu’s need to succeed is in many ways just as important.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2024
Her 2022 documentary, My Mind and Me, offered a raw look at her mental health over a six-year period, filling in new details of a story that had been told in headlines.
—Lucy Feldman, TIME, 29 May 2024
Verb
She’s also focused on her music, releasing five album since 2015 and touring extensively, headlining her own shows as well as opening for Ariana Grande and, of course, Taylor Swift.
—John Russell, Peoplemag, 29 May 2024
The Friday lineup is headlined by Particle Kid (the periodic stage name of Willie Nelson’s son, Micah) and 2017 Grammy-winner Fantastic Negrito (born: Xavier Dphrepaulezz), who at times suggests the offspring of Prince, Howlin’ Wolf and D’Angelo rolled into one.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2024
Adjective
The preliminary estimate for headline German inflation, due for release at 1300 GMT, is expected to fall to 3.5% in November from 3.8% in October, measured according to national standards.
—WSJ, 29 Nov. 2023
At the time this tour was limited to club venues and state theaters, but now some 9 years later both bands are slated to co-headline LA’s KIA Forum this spring.
—Quentin Singer, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for headline
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'headline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near headline
Cite this Entry
“Headline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headline. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
headline
1 of 2 noun
head·line
-ˌlīn 
1
: a line at the top of a page (as in a book) giving a heading
2
: the title over an item or article in a newspaper
headline
2 of 2 verb1
: to provide with a headline
2
: to publicize highly
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